Top 10 Reasons to Become a Nurse

Why do you want to be a nurse? Maybe you want to fulfill a role in a vital career field that continues to experience shortages. On the other hand, maybe patient care and advocacy drives you. No matter what your motivation to become a nurse is, you're on the right track to make a difference and help people every day. 

 
Outside of being a rewarding and trusting profession, the benefits of nursing are endless. It is a unique profession with a wide scope of practice, skills, and specialties to explore. There are countless reasons to join the profession that was rated the most trusted profession 20 years in a row. 

Top Ten Reasons to Become a Nurse

At the end of the day, there are hundreds of reasons to become a nurse. But, we've managed to find the top ten driving reasons that nursing is one of the best career fields. Read on to learn more!

1. High Earning Potential Compared to Other Professions

Nursing has a national median annual salary of $77,600 per year or an hourly average of $37.31. This, of course, will change per state ranging from $60,500 to $124,000. So far, in 2022, the average salary in the U.S. is $53,490, making even the lowest-paying states for nurses well above the overall national average.

2. Bright Job Outlook

Employment for nurses is expected to increase, with around 194,500 posted positions each year. The profession is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030 because of the increasing aging population as well as the retirement of the baby boomer generation. Furthermore, as a result of COVID-19, there has been a large exodus of bedside nurses, only furthering the nursing shortage. 

3. Recession-Proof

In the past, nursing as a profession saw job growth through the 2007-2010 recession. Despite what is happening in the world of politics, people will continue to age and get sick. As long as people can get sick, there will always be a job available for a nurse.

4. Ability to Travel and Get Paid

If you are a fan of traveling to destinations and want to get paid while doing it, then travel nursing may be the perfect job for you. Travel nurses get paid all over the U.S. to help facilities on assignments lasting roughly 13 weeks. Some travel agencies may even pay for your housing and groceries on top of paying you to work.

5. Ability to Make Your Own Work Schedule

One of the benefits of working as a nurse is the ability to set your work schedule. Many patients need round-the-clock care in a healthcare setting, including days, nights, and weekends. The 24-hour, 7-day-a-week needs allow nurses to make a schedule that suits their life. If you need certain days of the week off or have to watch your children during the day, working as a nurse will allow you to work with a flexible schedule.

6. Career Advancement Opportunities

After gaining some experience as a Registered Nurse, you may wonder, "What's next?" Luckily, nursing is a field with endless possibilities and specialties. Nurses can work in a variety of locations within the hospital, including the emergency room, critical care, and operating room. 

However, nursing goes beyond the bedside. Nurses can work in aesthetics or informatics. There is also the option to earn advanced degrees, such as a  Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist.

7. Ability to Work from Home

Most people think that nursing is a hands-on job, but several types of nursing positions will allow you to work from the comfort of your own home. As a nurse, you can work remotely with insurance companies, become a nurse recruiter, or even a legal nurse consultant. Work-from-home positions as a nurse can include phone triaging, remote monitoring, data collection, and telehealth. 

8. Ability to Own Your Practice as a Nurse Practitioner

If you decide to advance your degree and become a Nurse Practitioner, you can have the option to own your practice. Running your own business will allow you the autonomy to care for your patients and the community. As a Nurse Practitioner, you can also choose the niche and patient population you want to specialize in.

9. Nursing is a Rewarding Career

The nursing profession has several benefits, from money to destination, flexibility, and more. Outside of its great benefits, it is among the most personally rewarding positions. As a nurse, you can help the sick, comfort the dying, and bring life into the world. You will be able to make a difference in the lives of several people by giving them care in their time of need.

10. You Will Always Have Your Nursing License to Fall Back On

Life happens, and sometimes people have to stop working for a while. This might be because of health, family, or a personal reason, if you keep your license active, you can always find a job in a pinch as a nurse. Being a nurse will give you a sense of security, knowing several positions are available.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Nursing is an excellent choice if you're looking for a career with many options, good income potential, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. The nursing field is growing rapidly, so there are plenty of opportunities for nurses at every stage of their careers. And if you want to work remotely or travel the world while you work, nursing offers those opportunities too.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the tens of thousands of nurses who have already made rewarding and exciting careers in this dynamic field.

Are you ready to become a nurse?  Check out these great nursing programs below!